[PRP] Two Little Souls (Anxo/Mnemo/Xoana/Pax)

[Antidia]

The goddess of fish lay on her side on the smooth, moss covered stone in the grotto she called home. If it hadn't been for her little stroll out to check on those fish she rescued a couple seasons ago, she'd never know what had happened to her.

Her belly was swelling and she found herself getting tired easy. Movement wasn't as quick and when she tried to move fast, she got nauseous. The little fish insisted Mnemo was going to have little fishies of her own soon. She quickly denied it, because how could that happen to her?

Then she remembered and her checks flushed. It was also hard news to break to Anxo. She was so excited, but so scared and so worried. Would he be happy or upset?

Still, she was in disbelief this happened, and she was terrified. What if they looked like her? What if they were "abominations" too? Would Lethe treat them badly? Would she even acknowledge them? Heck, would she even accept Mnemo after this massive betrayal? So many unknowns, and so many of them awful. She worried about what kind of mother she would be and if she'd turn out like Lethe. And what would the babies look like? She knew Anxo had some anxieties for the same reason.

She lay on the stone, now covered in kelp and other aquatic linens for comfort, and walked her fingers along the side of her growing belly. She knew, whatever they looked like, she'd love them. She'd love them in the way Anxo's mom loved him.

A few of the little fish she previously saved had stuck around to help her out. They helped Anxo as much as they could too, making sure their goddess and her consort would be happy to welcome the arrival of the little godling fish. The fish were so excited for the blessed event.

Menelie

I figured Anxo could offer introspection on how he found out too. We can time skip around the birth and pregnancy only landing on the poignant scenes.

 

[Menelie]

In the weeks that had followed, Anxo had spent most of his time with Mnemo, in her grotto. He had returned to his grandmother's home a few times, just so she wouldn't worry, but other than that he'd been here, where he belonged, with his mate. Even the thought of having a mate made a smile curl onto his lips. And here he'd thought no Naiad would ever find him handsome, not without a beautiful tail. He could never get tired of Mnemo. She was funny, and graceful, and just...the sweetest Pae he'd ever met. He's glad they're mates, and even gladder that they're friends.

Lately, though, worry had begun to gnaw at the edges of his bliss. Mnemo's swelling belly hadn't escaped his notice, but of course he wouldn't mention it. How could he? She was already sensitive about her appearance--they both were--and to point out that she was gaining weight would be hurtful for no reason. As the time went on, though, he noticed that she wasn't putting on curves anywhere else, just in her belly. And that's where the worries began. Could she be...? It's entirely possible, of course. That is how little ones were made. And they had been rather amorous ever since that night. Heeh.

Still, the prospect of a child? The thought rattled his nerves. He was in no way ready to be a parent. But that's the way it went, he'd gathered. It was no secret that his own birth had been a bit of a surprise to his own father, and he'd done just fine raising the two boys.

But what if...what if the child looked like him? He loves Mnemo so much, and anything that came from their relationship would be beautiful and he would love them to the farthest depths of the deepest trenches. But he wouldn't wish his legs on anyone. He'd never be a true Naiad, no matter how much he felt it. No, he hoped their little one would look more like their mother. Beautiful and majestic and adorned like the goddess she is. Not...awkward and half-formed like he was. That was what worried him most.

Anxo tries to banish his worry and instead sinks into bed next to Mnemo, curling his arm around her and kissing her head. "What are you thinking about?" he asks her.  

[Antidia]

"The babies." Mnemo answered to Anxo's question. She remained positioned as she was, even when he joined her. It was the only comfortable position she could find. "I don't know what to do when they come. Will it hurt? I ... wish I could tell Lethe. She'd know." Her voice dropped. It was obvious she was saddened by her mother's behavior, but more so that she felt she had to hide this from her for fear of her's and Anxo's babies.

There was some peace of mind in knowing that the little fish would help her out. They've had hundreds of lil fry so they have the experience. They'd also sent one of their most revered 'mothers' to aide their goddess as a midwife. Or the equivalent, considering fish don't really have the term in their vocabulary. Nor do they marry to even know what a wife is.

She put her hand on Anxo's, and lay in silence for a few moments. Maybe they should talk about it? Maybe it could ease some of the burdens and stress she knew they were both experiencing. There had been a definite change in Anxo over the last few weeks. Not a bad one, but different. She thinks he's scared too. This wasn't exactly a planned event. Heck, it wasn't even planned for them to come together in such a way.

"I'm worried about the babies," she admitted. "Will they grow up as outsiders too, because they'll be different?"  

[Menelie]

To hear such sadness in Mnemo's voice just breaks Anxo's heart. This should be an exciting time for her, for both of them! And here they were, all but consumed with worry. Anxo puts on a smile and squeezes her hands. "The important thing is that they stay healthy, and that we will love them no matter what," he says emphatically.

The idea of visiting Mnemo's mother for anything, let alone advice, makes Anxo tense up. He'd never met the woman, but he'd heard enough about her from Mnemo to know that he didn't want her to be involved at all with his children. Still, she was Mnemo's mother, and if she wanted to give Lethe a role in the babies' lives, he wouldn't stop her. But she had made Mnemo believe such awful things about herself, it makes him so angry...!

Feeling the tension rise and wishing to quell it to enjoy this peaceful moment, he speaks up again. "If you want to visit Lethe, I'll come with you. But we don't have to if you don't want to. In fact, we could ask my Nan instead. She'd know anything you wanted to ask her, and she'd be delighted to share her wisdom with us, I just know it!" He smiles encouragingly.  

[Antidia]

Mnemo rolled and scooted, unable to contain the little grunts as she did so. She was on her back, looking up to towards Anxo with a tender smile. She lifted a hand to cradle his face. "No other naiads will be loved more," she murmured.

The idea of talking to Anxo's family seemed far more appealing to her than talking to her own. Maybe it was a good idea to leave the babies out of Lethe's life until they're older, so that the mean things won't sink in. Yes. Much better idea.

"I'd love to meet your Nan. And your family, Anxo. They're so loving, I think it'd be good for babies. They'll be accepted." Anxo spoke fondly of his family, so she had no doubt his children would accepted and loved. She felt a burst of happiness come from the thought that her own offspring could feel the love she didn't when she was young. She had a chance to prove that she's a good naiad and prove to her mother that she wasn't an accident or punishment. Anxo never once confirmed or treated her that way, so in the time she'd spent with him, especially since they become committed mates, she trusted him far more than her mother.

With a little bit of effort, she lifted herself enough to give Anxo a gentle kiss.  

[Menelie]

Anxo leaned down to meet her lips. He pushed a stray lock of hair out of her face, letting it float back to the rest of her hair. "Then that's settled. We'll go to Nan. But not right now," he clarified, snuggling in close. "We're too cozy just now to move." He squeezed her affectionately.

***

It was time. Oh gods and little fishes, it was time. Anxo paced back and forth at the tail of Mnemo's bed. He definitely wasn't ready for this. Any of it, the birth, the having of a baby, being a father, the whole thing. Definitely not ready. Were they really sure it was ready to come out? More time growing inside had to be good for it, right?

"Anxo, quit pacing and be useful," said Kelebek. "Gods and little fishes, boy, you're making me nervous." Truth be told, Kelebek was nervous. She'd accepted immediately when her grandson and his mate had asked her to help with the birth, but she'd never done anything like this before. She didn't really know what should be done...all she knew is that she gave birth to three little tadpoles by herself all those tides ago, and that nobody ought to be alone when they gave birth. Especially not one as fragile as this poor girl. She saw it in Mnemo's eyes--something about her seemed ready to fracture at any moment.

Turning her attention to Mnemo, she smiled reassuringly. "Your fish friends have done a marvelous job preparing everything," she said, warm encouragement in her voice. "Don't worry about a thing. You're doing great. When the contraction feelings come once every few seconds, we can start pushing, and then it'll be over before you know it!" She hardly recognized the confidence in her own voice.

"Right, something useful." Anxo zipped around the room, looking for some way to contribute. Mnemo's fishes had done so much of the work that he could barely find something to do. He finally settled on finding a skin of sweet, fresh water and bringing it to Mnemo's bedside. "I have water if you want it, love," he said, trying not to let his anxiety show through to her. She'd worry if he was worrying, and he didn't want her to worry. Worry couldn't be good for the baby.