After the Celebration, life seemed to fly by.
Elara continued working at the infirmary.
She was adamant about working as long as she could. However when she entered her eighth month of pregnancy Gabel started speaking up.
Everyday he pleaded for her to spend more time at home and less time working.
Maximillian too expressed her desire for Elara to cut back on her time at the infirmary.
She had also arranged for her midwife Anna, who delivered both Roem and Triton to come to the castle and examine Elara twice a month.
"Things are looking good my lady, are there any other symptoms or concerns you would like to talk about?"
Elara sighed while rubbing a hand over her large belly.
"I still cry so much. Like twice a day at the least. With Cassian I hardly ever cried. My mood swings have been extreme."
Anna smiled and lowered Elara's skirt back down.
"Yes for some reason that happens with some women. And unfortunately it will only intensify the closer you get to having the baby. It is alright though as long as you are able to get ahold of yourself. A couple minutes of crying will not do too much harm as long as your not wailing yourself about."
Anna stood and reached an arm out to help Elara sit up.
"We need to go over your birth plan. Lady Calypse has told me you wish to have the child at your home instead of here at the castle."
Elara nodded, "If it's possible yes."
"Of course you will need to just make sure you have someone to come get me when it's time."
Elara smiled, "I was hoping to ha.."
Suddenly the door flew open and Gabel came sprinting in.
"I'm late. I know. I'm sorry...are you done already?"
He rushed over and greeted Anna before placing a hand on Elara's belly.
"Hello my love," gently he kissed her on the cheek.
Anna smiled, "Everything looks fine, we were just discussing Elara's wishes for her birth plan."
"I'm not following...like where she will give birth?"
Anna nodded, "Yes that is part of it."
Gabel rubbed her belly, "Well here of course."
Elara frowned and pushed his hand away.
"No...not here! At home."
"Elara, there are lots of people here in case something were to happen."
"I was about to tell Anna that I plan on having Judith come stay with me. She delivered Cassian and her presence will bring me some peace."
Anna nodded again, "That is good yes, anything that helps you will be of help to me."
Gabel pursed his lips, "I would like to be of help too, if there is anything I can do when it is time."
"If Elara wishes it then yes you can be of help when it's time. Some husbands can not handle it and end up causing their wives more stress so if that happens I will have to have to ask you to leave."
Gabel eyes widened, "Oh well I can handle it and I don't plan on causing her any stress."
Anna let a small laugh escape her lips, "No husband ever plans to."
Elara ran her hand over her belly, "My labor with my son Cassian was very long...I am hoping it will not be for this baby."
Anna patted her on the arm, "I often see first time mothers have a longer labor then second time mothers, so in my experience the odds are in your favor. But we will be prepared none the less."
