The House Of Secrets

[witch]

~* The House of Secrets *~

Cara Blaze Andovea

The smell of burning wood filled Cara's noise the soft cool breeze coursing her hair to dance, everything seemed so alive even the baby inside her belly who seemed to be tap dancing at the very moment.

Cara watched from the "Love Swing" where was seated as her husband tended to the fire and the food that it was quickly cooking the craving for bacon only calmed by her craving for other things... mostly good things like frozen sugar strawberries, chocolate (though that was always a craving for her) and most strange of all hot chips dipped in ice cream and meat pie.

"Hows it coming?" she asked closing her eyes as she felt herself relaxing within the courtyard of her new home.

It had been the couples wedding gift to each other though mostly Mark's to her surprising her with the open space of a France Farm House with a work room that held a barre so she could practice her dancing when she got better... speaking of which.

"If it doesn't need tending to for a little while maybe you could help me practice my walking again."

It had been a few days ago when she had gone for a check up not only for the baby but also herself that the doctor told her if she had some help she could try walking again. Ever since then Mark had helped her catching her when she fell but always there holding her when she asked reminding her that in time she would get better.

"It might also calm this little one down I think she's going to be a dancer just like me. Came feel she's kicking up a storm."

[witch]

Mark Blaze

A cool breeze drifting through the air, Mark silently tended to the grill to make sure the food was prepared right. Today since he knew he wasn’t going anywhere, he wasn’t wearing his usual black hat and trench coat, instead he wore a tight black sleeveless shirt that showed every rock-hard muscle in his upper body. The larger man found it interesting that he could only good cook on a grill for if he tried to cook in a kitchen, he would surely burn it. Using the stainless steal spatula, he flipped over one of the steaks that were on it, thinking of the past few days. First, they had went to the doctor for a check up on Cara and their daughter and he had said that with help she could start to practice to walk, which was great news because that meant she was getting better. From that day on, the dark haired man would without hesitation help his smaller wife practice whenever she asked, knowing that she wanted to walk on her own again. Second, there was the new home that they lived in now, which was a gift from the couple to each other. He loved the expression on her face and the look in her eyes when he showed the house for the first time and he also enjoyed the hug and kiss she gave when too, which brought a small ghost of a smile to his face. The finally there was the strangest of all, especially to him. For the last couple of days, the younger woman had been requesting some strange things to eat, a lot of which he had never heard before. Frozen sugar strawberries seemed to be one of her favorite strange foods and the most confusing to the larger man. He wondered why someone wanted to eat something that was frozen. It just didn’t sound to appetizing to the dark haired man. Flipping the other steak, Mark heard his wife’s soft voice from behind him where she sat on the swing.

"Hows it coming?" she paused for a moment as he merely nodded, not knowing that she had closed her eyes, "If it doesn't need tending to for a little while maybe you could help me practice my walking again." the larger man immediately looked toward her, signaling that he was more than willing to help, besides the food could wait just a little bit, "It might also calm this little one down I think she's going to be a dancer just like me. Came feel she's kicking up a storm." she said softly, placing a slender hand on her stomach. He took a quick glance toward the grill to make sure everything would be alright for the time being before walking silently over to where his smaller wife sat. He then gently took her by her hands and slowly helped her up to her feet, keeping a firm grasp on her arms so she wouldn’t fall. Keeping a soft grey green gaze on her, Mark began to speak in his usual deep masculine voice that had a hint of softness to it.

“Of course, my ange, anything that makes you happy. Perhaps I could get you some… frozen sugar strawberries…. later or would you prefer something else?” he questioned before swiftly getting behind her and once more gripping her arms in a firm yet gentle word to make sure she didn’t fall.

[witch]

Cara Blaze Andovea

Swinging somewhat gently in the swing Cara had closed her eyes the smells around her making her calm as she thought back to the first time Mark had carried her into the house.

She had been overcome with joy and love throwing her arms around him and pulling him down for a kiss thanking him for the home they now had never thinking she'd have a place to call home again after she had come back to Paris and now...

With the smell of fire and food Cara asked how it was coming along amazed that while her husband was well... not so good in the kitchen he was like a master chief when it came to the BBQ smelling the meat slowly cooking making her tummy rumble a little at how hungry she was along with the baby inside her.

Not seeing her husbands nod she asked him if he could help her practice her walking. She remembered how both their faces had lighted up at the news that she could try walking again her back now strong enough though there was still some numbness in her legs unlike the babies.

Smiling widely she told Mark to come and feel their daughters powerful kicks making her joke that she just might be a dancer.


Opening her eyes she watched as he came over to her gently taking her hand and helping her to her feet which wobbled a little making her even more glad that Mark had a strong yet gentle hold of her making her feel both safe and very much loved.

For a few days after her accident she had not wanted anyone touching her the fear of it still fresh in her mind, for nights she had woken up screaming swearing she could fell the dagger cutting into her skin and in every waking hour she had jumped at the slightest shadow. Through it all though Mark had been a loving husband calming her through it all telling her again and again that everything was all right just like he did now.

“Of course, my ange, anything that makes you happy. Perhaps I could get you some… frozen sugar strawberries…. later or would you prefer something else?”

She couldn't help but smile at his gentle toned words his old nickname for her coming back again loving the way it sounded on his lips and as for the lure of strawberries well...

"That would be prefect but as for something else I just want you."

She took a small steep forward then feeling Mark do the same behind her before she took another pushing herself a little though she felt a little pain the doctor telling her it was normal and to push through it a little though not to much.

"And to think this is just practice for when this little one comes, I still can't believe it, I still can't believe that I'm calling her my little jelly bean we really need to start thinking of same names."

Slowly she looked up at Mark then looking into his loving eyes.

"Have any in mind?"

[witch]

Mark Blaze

As a gentle breeze drifting through the air, he quietly tended to the grill to make sure the food was prepared right. Today since he knew he wasn’t going anywhere, he wasn’t wearing his usual black hat and trench coat, instead he wore a tight black sleeveless shirt that showed every rock-hard muscle in his upper body. Using the stainless steal spatula, he flipped over one of the steaks that were on it, he thought over the past few days and what had happened. The hints of a small smile appeared on his features when he thought about showing the young female the house they lived in now, loving the hug and kiss she gave him when she saw it. He also mused over his wife’s strange craving, mostly the frozen sugar strawberries, as he flipped the other steak when Cara soft voice reached his sensitive ears. She asked him how the steaks were coming and he merely nodded in a reply, keeping his attention on the grill and what he was doing. A few moments of silence passed before she asked him to help her practice walking, which he knew she longed to do along with dancing again. Quickly looking toward the smaller woman, he saw that she had a hand on her growing stomach as she told him that the baby was kicking again. After glancing toward the grill to make sure everything would be alright for now, he quietly walked over to the swing and helped his wife to a stand, keeping a firm yet gently grasp on her wrist to make sure she didn’t fall. Using her nickname that he had given her, he agreed to help her walk, telling her also that he would do anything to make her happy, and asked her if she wanted some strawberries or something else later, quickly goin behind her and grabbing her again. He saw the smile come on her lips and as a result, a soft glint shinned in his eyes, her smile making her more beautiful to him.

"That would be prefect but as for something else I just want you." she paused for a moment to take a few small steps forward, taking her time as she did, and he immediately followed in suit, "And to think this is just practice for when this little one comes, I still can't believe it, I still can't believe that I'm calling her my little jelly bean we really need to start thinking of same names." she looked up toward him and their gazes met, "Have any in mind?" she asked and waited for him to answer. He looked away for a moment with a thoughtful look on his face, which wasn’t anything unusual for him. A name? For the child? He hadn’t really thought of that before. He thought that was the mother’s right and that she did that after the baby was born. Well, apparently he was wrong…again. He would have never guessed that the father also took part in the naming of the child. Shaking his head slightly, he looked back down at his wife before he began to speak again, the soft glint still in his grey green eyes.

“I’m not really good at naming babies and besides, I thought that only the mother did that since she’s the one who goes into labor and experiences the pain….” his words faded as he actually noticed what he was saying and he looked away again in embarrassment, a light pink color coming to his cheeks, “Sorry about that…” he murmured quietly, still keeping his gaze away.

[witch]

Cara Blaze Andovea

Slowly steep after steep she walked her eyes ahead of her picking a place in the courtyard that she decided would be her resting point if the pain let it be. With Mark's gentle hold around her wrist Cara felt stronger, felt the urge to keep pushing herself not let him see her weak side a side he had seen all to much this past months, the months she wanted to put behind her.

Carefully she willed herself onwards the thought of dancing again being her hope there was just one problem with having Mark help her and that was not letting herself melt in his loving embrace.

To take her mind off both pain and other thoughts she quickly come up with something to talk about an image popping into her head of Mark and herself someday teaching their young daughter to walk. Looking up into his eyes there was still one question they had to answer and that was thinking of a man to call their child and so wondering if he had any in mind she asked.

“I’m not really good at naming babies and besides, I thought that only the mother did that since she’s the one who goes into labor and experiences the pain….”

Hearing his words she slightly wondered about them how many babies had he been asked to name? He saw his cheeks go red just as she was about to correct him on his thoughts but stopped when she heard:

“Sorry about that…”

With his gaze away from her Cara tried to pull herself up a little, to have strength in her legs so she could free one hand from his hold and bring his eyes back to her but even as her fingers tried to move away from his she felt herself crumble and so quickly she fell backward, to land against his chest.... better then the ground though just as rock hard.

"Why are you sorry Labor is a part of bringing a child into the world, not the most enjoyable part or so I hear but it is the last part before you get to see the child, hold it." She started to feel weak again, tired and for a moment she thought it best if she sat back down. "But I want you to have a say in her name she is after all part of you to."

Her eyes went to the swing then her strength now gone.

"I think I best sit down again, maybe we can try again after dinner."

She felt herself being picked up and carried back to the swing, thought she saw a look of worry and concern in Mark's eyes though she could be mistaken.

"I'll make you a deal one of us picks the first name the other the second how does that sound? And as for the pain of labor swear to me that if I need to be cut open to get the baby out, that you'll trust the doctors, though I do hope it won't come to that... I just thought you should know that it's also normal to get a baby out that way to."

[witch]

Mark Blaze

Quickly looking toward the smaller woman, he saw that she had a hand on her growing stomach as she told him that the baby was kicking again. After glancing toward the grill to make sure everything would be alright for now, he quietly walked over to the swing and helped his wife to a stand, keeping a firm yet gently grasp on her wrist to make sure she didn’t fall. Using her nickname that he had given her, he agreed to help her walk, telling her also that he would do anything to make her happy, and asked her if she wanted some strawberries or something else later, quickly goin behind her and grabbing her again. He saw the smile come on her lips and as a result, a soft glint shinned in his eyes, her smile making her more beautiful to him. His young wife told him that was alright and she also wanted to be with him before taking a few slow steps forward, the larger man following obediently behind her to make sure she didn’t fall. Cara then told him that this was just practice for their child once she was born and that they had to think of a name for her. Looking away from the young female, Mark thought for a moment, trying to figure out a good name for their daughter, but sadly couldn’t. he looked back toward her and told her that he wasn’t very good at giving babies names and that he thought the mother gave them the name since they went into labor. When he finally noticed what he was saying, he looked away in embarrassment and murmured out a small sorry, a small blush coming on his cheeks. He felt her try to take her hand out of his grasp, for what reason she did he didn’t know why, but when she did, he felt her fall against his chest where he could, wrapping his arms around her to make sure she didn’t fall and because he wanted to.

"Why are you sorry Labor is a part of bringing a child into the world, not the most enjoyable part or so I hear but it is the last part before you get to see the child, hold it. But I want you to have a say in her name she is after all part of you to." her gaze traveled toward the swing, but his remained on her, "I think I best sit down again, maybe we can try again after dinner." with a slight nod, the dark haired man effortlessly picked up the young female in his muscular arms and started toward the swing, a slightly concerned look in his eyes at he sudden weakness, "I'll make you a deal one of us picks the first name the other the second how does that sound? And as for the pain of labor swear to me that if I need to be cut open to get the baby out, that you'll trust the doctors, though I do hope it won't come to that... I just thought you should know that it's also normal to get a baby out that way to." she said softly. Yes, that’ll be nice, to have a part in naming his child. He thought he would never get to name a child, but he was and he was going to enjoy it since it was his own. Walking up to the swing, he gently sat her in a comfortable position before eyeing the swing himself, seeing if it would be comfortable for him. He moved to the side slightly after a few moments and sat down, making the swing sway slightly under his weight. He made himself comfortable, even putting his arm around his wife, before placing a kiss on her forehead, trying to show her just how much he loved her. He knew that the steaks were going to be alright for a little while longer so he mind as while enjoy the time.

“Sharing the task of naming our daughter is alright and it’s just that you’re going to be in pain and…” suddenly he stopped and paled slightly when her last sentence finally hit him, “What do you mean by ‘cut open’?” he asked in slight alarm, never heard of such a thing.

[witch]

Cara Blaze Andovea

Rather quickly Cara felt herself getting weaker her body not used to holding her up on two legs that she couldn't feel let alone the extra weight to her small frame thanks to her growing belly. When she tried to take her hand out her husbands hold so she could turn his gaze towards her she failed falling quickly back against his chest making her glad that his arms quickly wrapped around her.

Cara knew that there would be concern and even a hint of worry coming from her loving husband but instead of dwelling on her weakness she instead asked him to clear up something for her, his words from before leaving her a little confused and thinking it had something to do with labor, the pain of it she told him that she wouldn't mind it, it being the last stage before their child was to be born.

Before Mark could answer her though she thought it best that she sit back down and no sooner had she spoken the idea she felt herself being raised up to be once again held in loving arms.

Gently he sat Cara on the swing concern looking down at her that she wished to wash away and with an idea on how to do this in mind she struck up a deal telling him that they would both take change of one part of their daughters name, after all he was going to be a big part of both their lives and as their child's father he should have a say.

While saying this however she also thought it best to clear something else up just in case something went wrong and so she started speaking of about maybe maybe needing a C - section.

Her eyes followed him as he slowly sat on the swing his wight gently coursing it to rock as his eyes once again befell his wife to then put his arm around her which she quickly nuzzled into felling a light kiss touch her brow.

“Sharing the task of naming our daughter is alright and it’s just that you’re going to be in pain and…”

She couldn't help but smile at his words knowing that he wished her never to be in pain she was just about to tell him once again that she wouldn't mind it to much when she realized he had cut himself off worry entering his face once again.

“What do you mean by ‘cut open’?”

Looking at her husband Cara gently took up his hand in one of hers placing the other on his cheek, something she knew he loved and with a gentle voice she began to explain herself hoping to dull his alarm.

"It's proper name is a Caesarean it's most commonly performed if the mother can't push out the baby or if her life is at risk." She explained hating saying the last part but knowing she needed to. "Some mothers to be even ask for it giving up normal birth all together. To get the baby out faster they cut open the mothers belly open which in the long run will leave a scare and though there are risks it is rather common."

She now said nothing looking at Mark hoping her words had put him at ease just in case things came down to her having to go under the knife.

"If you wanted the next time I go in for a check up we could ask the doctor about it, let him answer the questions I can't."

Even now she could somehow still see the shock and alarm still.

"I'm sure everything will be fine, like I said I just wanted to tell you, just in case."

With that she lead forward and placed upon his lips a loving kiss her eyes then going over to the grill.

"I think those are done now and I can't wait to feed my hunger to get some strength back, by the way thank you for helping me."

[witch]

Mark Blaze

His young wife told him that was alright and she also wanted to be with him before taking a few slow steps forward, the larger man following obediently behind her to make sure she didn’t fall. Cara then told him that this was just practice for their child once she was born and that they had to think of a name for her. Looking away from the young female, Mark thought for a moment, trying to figure out a good name for their daughter, but sadly couldn’t. he looked back toward her and told her that he wasn’t very good at giving babies names and that he thought the mother gave them the name since they went into labor. When he finally noticed what he was saying, he looked away in embarrassment and murmured out a small sorry, a small blush coming on his cheeks. He felt her try to take her hand out of his grasp, for what reason she did he didn’t know why, but when she did, he felt her fall against his chest where he could, wrapping his arms around her to make sure she didn’t fall and because he wanted to. She then explained to him that the labor was just a part of the process of child birth though it wasn’t the best part and that he should have a part in naming their child since she was a part of him. Understandable, but he still thought that the mother was the one to give the child a name since she experienced the pain. He snapped out of his thoughts when she told him about trusting the doctors if she had to be cut open. Wrapping his arm around his young wife and giving her a gently kiss on the temple, he told her that it was fine with him to share the task on naming their daughter, but he suddenly cut short, paling slightly. Her last words suddenly hit him hard and she seemed to notice it. With slight alarm in his voice, he asked her what she meant by ‘cut open’. He had never heard of someone being cut open for child birth. It sounded something like a horror movie for him. The dark haired man suddenly felt her slender gently hold his, this one being of those rare times he didn’t have his leather gloves on, and then felt her hand be softly placed on his cheek, making him lean into her hand on instinct and nuzzle it.

"It's proper name is a Caesarean it's most commonly performed if the mother can't push out the baby or if her life is at risk. Some mothers to be even ask for it giving up normal birth all together. To get the baby out faster they cut open the mothers belly open which in the long run will leave a scare and though there are risks it is rather common." she paused for a moment, trying to see if he understood, which he did, but he was still shocked and filled with alarm, "If you wanted the next time I go in for a check up we could ask the doctor about it, let him answer the questions I can't.” she paused once more to place a loving kiss on his lips, him closing his eyes in sweet bliss, I think those are done now and I can't wait to feed my hunger to get some strength back, by the way thank you for helping me." she said softly. He kept where he was for a little while longer, keeping his soft gaze on his young wife. Though he understood what she said, he was still wary of the very idea of her being cut open. He didn’t know if he could trust the doctors enough to do that. Finally snapping from his thoughts, he nodded slightly before standing with slight difficulty, making the swing sway slightly as he did. He walked back toward the grill to find the steaks at the peak of perfect and used the spatula to pick them up and place them on two plates. Walking over to the table that sat near the swing, he placed the plates on the table where the other food and drinks were and then walked back toward where Cara sat. With ease, he picked her up bridal style, being extra careful since she was with child. Despite her being pregnant though, she still felt light as a feather to him but he could tell that she had gain some weight as the months had passed. The larger set her gently in her seat and pushed her closer to the table before walking to the chair next to her and sitting in it. Looking at his wife, he began to speak in a quiet tone.

“You’re very welcome, darling, and I’ll have to think about that.” he fell silent for a moment, thinking of something else to say, “So, which name I’m I exactly choosing?” he asked, slightly confused about the naming thing.

[witch]

Cara Blaze Andovea

She could tell the idea of her being cut open was not something Mark would ever really go for, his trust in doctors not that strong at the best of times and he being very protective of his young wife would surely question the doctors every steep.

Instead of dwelling on things that might never be she instead told him that the meat was done and that if he so wished he could ask the doctor any questions he had when they went for her next check up placing a kiss upon him as she did so.

For a little while longer they simply sat next to each other before he finally got up and checked the meat bringing it over to the table the smell feeling Cara's noise as her belly suddenly felt as hollow as anything. When her husband came and picked her up she remembered just how strong he was her extra weight of being with child seemed very little to him as he sat her down gently before pushing her in towards the table.

“You’re very welcome, darling, and I’ll have to think about that.”

She nodded hearing this, he words telling her that he'd always be there to help her and to look after her. She started cutting the meat before her and popped a bit into her mouth savouring the taste before swallowing trying to hold herself back for the taste just screamed to have more.... a women having a child what can I say?

“So, which name I’m I exactly choosing?”

Looking up for her meal, a large smile on her face she herself thought about the answer for a second or two.

"How about her second name?" She asked "And just an idea, just in case sometimes people use the grandmothers name if you wish to do that I think it should be your mothers name but like I said it's just an idea."

Having spoken the thought she didn't know how he'd take it would Mark even want to be reminded of his parents in that way or would be rather forget never speaking his mother's name again?

"I'm sure what ever you choose we'll booth love."

She looked up at the sky then the clouds racing across the sky.

"Skyla" she spoke softly "After the beautiful sky. How do you feel about Skyla being her frist name? Sky I think is just a little bit to common."

[witch]

Mark Blaze

Wrapping his arm around his young wife and giving her a gently kiss on the temple, he told her that it was fine with him to share the task on naming their daughter, but he suddenly cut short, paling slightly. Her last words suddenly hit him hard and she seemed to notice it. With slight alarm in his voice, he asked her what she meant by ‘cut open’. The dark haired man suddenly felt her slender gently hold his, this one being of those rare times he didn’t have his leather gloves on, and then felt her hand be softly placed on his cheek, making him lean into her hand on instinct and nuzzle it. He knew she was trying to calm him down and to tell you the truth, it was working. The young female told him that the proper name for it was called a Caesarean and it was preformed when the mother couldn’t push the baby out or she simply wanted to get the baby out faster. Pausing for a moment, she wanted to see if he understood what she had said, which was clear in his eyes along with some worry and alarm. What still worried him was that there were risks to this and there was a possibility that Cara would have to go through it, something that the larger man didn’t want. She continued on, telling him that he could ask more about it when they went for one of her check ups before placing a sweet kiss on his lips, making him close his eyes in bliss. The smaller woman took a quick glance toward the grill and then said that she thought the steaks were ready and that she was starving, also thanking him for helping her. He merely sat there for a few more moments, keeping a gentle gaze on her as he thought over what she had said, before snapping out of his thoughts and standing up to walk over to the grill. He used the spatula to put a steak on each plate and took them over to the table that they were going to eat at then walked back toward where his wife sat and picked her up with ease, being careful since she was pregnant. Sitting her in her chair, Mark pushed her closer to the table and walked over to where he was going to sit next to her, telling her that he would have to think about that as she took a bite of her steak. Thinking of something else to say, he asked which part of the name was he going to pick out, making his confusion obvious to her. A large smile appeared on her face as he cut a small piece of his steak and began nibbling on it like he did almost everything else he ate.

"How about her second name? And just an idea, just in case sometimes people use the grandmothers name if you wish to do that I think it should be your mothers name but like I said it's just an idea." she suggested, making him stop nibbling on his steak, "I'm sure what ever you choose we'll both love." she looked up toward the clear sky, "Skyla. After the beautiful sky. How do you feel about Skyla being her frist name? Sky I think is just a little bit to common." she said, looking toward him. Though he had heard her question, his mind was still on what she had said before. He never knew about naming a child after the father’s mother, then again, he didn’t know a lot of things it seemed. His thoughts drifted to his mother. She was kind, perhaps even kinder than Cara, and she cared for everyone even if they hated him. She was a gentle soul and she could never hurt anyone, treating everyone as though they were family despite the way they treat both him and her. She didn’t deserve to die the way she did and neither did his father, but especially her. He still blamed himself for her death and his father’s. If it wasn’t for him they would still be here and they would be waiting for their grandchild. Letting out a sigh, he looked away from her and toward the ground.

“Yes, that’s a beautiful name, it’ll fit her so well. As for her middle name, I think it should be Aurora, after my mother. It’s the least I could do since it’s because of me that she and my father is dead.” once again he let out a sigh before looking up toward out toward the distance, slipping into his memories, “She was beautiful, kind, and she cared for everyone. She basically loved to help any person she could. I remember when people would come to our front doorstep wanting some sort of help and she would gladly offer them whatever they needed whether it had been food or a place to spend the night. Though my life in my hometown was a living nightmare, she would try to make it better than it was.” he looked toward her, his gaze still distant, “You remind me of my mother everyday and I believe that my daughter will too.” he finished quietly, looking away again and still within his memories.

[witch]

Cara Blaze Andovea

Now sitting at the table and happily eatting she watched her husbands face change from confused to worry and back again. The news about maybe being cut open was something that she could so eaily tell he didn't want to happen and in truth nither did she, she wanted to see her child the second she was born and be over come with happniess just as her husband would be instead of having him fear for her every secound she was out of it.

Looking to clear his mind and change the subject Cara quickly told him that he could ask the doctors the next time they went in and answered his question about which name he should choose. Thinking about this answer for a few moments she revealed an idea about useing his mothers name not quite sure how he'd take it. She looked up at the sky then watching the clouds race by, feeling the suns sweet glow and a name suddenly came to mind, the name of Skyla Sky being to comman.

When her eyes come back down to meet the gaze of her husband she wasn't surprised by the fact he wasn't looking at her, she could easily tell he was slipping back to the past, thinking about his parents.

“Yes, that’s a beautiful name, it’ll fit her so well. As for her middle name, I think it should be Aurora, after my mother. It’s the least I could do since it’s because of me that she and my father is dead.”

She joined him as he let out a sigh, she knew he blamed himself for what had become of his mother and father but she would never see it that way. When she had gone back to his hometown she had found out the truth, it was Satlin that had killed them and not him... still at his hands or not she knew he would always blame himself.

“She was beautiful, kind, and she cared for everyone. She basically loved to help any person she could. I remember when people would come to our front doorstep wanting some sort of help and she would gladly offer them whatever they needed whether it had been food or a place to spend the night. Though my life in my hometown was a living nightmare, she would try to make it better than it was.”

He turned his eyes back towards her then Cara panting a smile on her face as her husband talked.

“You remind me of my mother everyday and I believe that my daughter will too.”

As he looked away from her again Cara couldn't help the question that rose to mind.

"And would that be a good thing or a bad thing?" She asked wanting to know if thoughts of his mother was just to painful. "She sounds like a wonderful women, with a kind heart who knew to look beyond the surface. Our daughter while carry on your mother's name and we should tell her to act just as your mother did."

She reached over for Mark's hand then bringing it to rest on her cheek hoping that his gaze would return to her.

"I'm sure your mother will be looking down on us and always watching over us with a smiling face. She loves you just as much as I do and this little one to and I promise you, you will not lose us."

She would have kissed or hugged him then if her legs worked instead she simply turned her head and kissed his hand to then take it down to her growing belly felling a huge kick from within.

"You see Skyla Aurora Blaze agrees with me."

[witch]

Mark Blaze

After placing a soft kiss on his lips, Cara took a quick glance toward the grill and then said that she thought the steaks were ready and that she was starving, also thanking him for helping her. He merely sat there for a few more moments, keeping a gentle gaze on her as he thought over what she had said, before snapping out of his thoughts and standing up to walk over to the grill. He used the spatula to put a steak on each plate and took them over to the table that they were going to eat at then walked back toward where his wife sat and picked her up with ease, being careful since she was pregnant. Sitting her in her chair, Mark pushed her closer to the table and walked over to where he was going to sit next to her, telling her that he would have to think about that as she took a bite of her steak. Thinking of something else to say, he asked which part of the name was he going to pick out, making his confusion obvious to her. A large smile appeared on her face as he cut a small piece of his steak and began nibbling on it like he did almost everything else he ate. His wife told him that he could choose their daughter’s middle name and suggested that it be his mother’s name, making him stop nibbling on his steak as he began to sink into past memories. Looking up toward the sky, she told him that she wanted their daughter’s name to be Skyla, after the beautiful sky. Though he had heard her question, his mind was still on what she had said before. He though over his mother and the decision of giving his child a middle name before letting out a sigh, he looked away from her and toward the ground. Mark told her that was a beautiful name and that it would fit their child very well, still sinking into memory. The larger man also told her that he wanted Skyla’s middle name to be Aurora after his mother, saying that it was the least he could do since both of his parents were dead. Both he and Cara let out a low sigh and Mark continued on, telling her how kind and loving his mother was and how she tried to make his life better. He looked toward her and told her that she reminded him of his mother everyday and he believed that his daughter would too before once more looking away.

"And would that be a good thing or a bad thing?" she asked, making him slightly confused, "She sounds like a wonderful women, with a kind heart who knew to look beyond the surface. Our daughter while carry on your mother's name and we should tell her to act just as your mother did." when he felt his hand being grabbed and placed against something soft, he looked toward her and saw that she had placed his hand against her cheek, "I'm sure your mother will be looking down on us and always watching over us with a smiling face. She loves you just as much as I do and this little one to and I promise you, you will not lose us." she placed a gently kiss on his hand and placed it against her stomach, feeling a strong kick and spread his fingers to feel as much as he could, "You see Skyla Aurora Blaze agrees with me." she said softly. He was silent for a few moments, keeping his large hand on her stomach as though to wait to feel a other kick. She was probably right. His mother and father were probably in the place people called ‘Heaven’, watching over him and his family with loving gazes. He would probably never meet them again, he knew he wasn’t going to go to the place where all good people went to after they died. He had done nothing good in his life and he had a demon inside him, so how could someone even think he had a chance of going there? Snapping from his thoughts by a other more gentler kick, a small ghost of a smile appeared on Mark’s lips.

“Yes, it seems that she does agree and I believe that she will be as beautiful and kind as her mother.” he said quietly before looking up toward the young female, “As for your question, it’s a good thing that you remind me of my mother. You’re just as kind and beautiful as her and you saw me as person and not as a monster that the others see me as.” he paused for a moment to grab her hand in a gentle hold and place it against his cheek, much like she did his own, “ And I thank you much for it. I will always take care of you both and love you and our daughter no matter what.”

[witch]

Cara Blaze Andovea

With the quite afternoon upon them Cara loved the simple act of just being with her husband, with him working and her once again taking a brake they didn't really see each other as much as she'd like for when he got home she was asleep trying to regain her strength and with her legs not working she couldn't keep up with him when he was home. Now just sitting here eating a dinner together it was the greatest gift and soon there would be someone else joining them on their meals.

The subject of naming their daughter brought about a whole new train of thought and memories Cara unable to help but wonder if it was a good or bad thing, for as soon as she had brought up the thought of Mark's mother his gaze quickly turned from her and become saddened.

She listened as he talked about the kind and loving women who's life had been cut short later revealing that she herself remind him of his mother which in the long ran made a question arise upon her lips.

A look of confusion past her husbands face as she spoke her question only leading her into saying that she to though Skyla should be brought up to look beyond the surface and then placing his hand over her cheek she kissed it before moving it to her belly telling her husband that both she and their daughter would always love him.

Feeling Mark's fingers spreed she smiled as she felt another kick her eyes coming up as she watched the ghost of a smile appear on his face.

“Yes, it seems that she does agree and I believe that she will be as beautiful and kind as her mother.”

Cara couldn't help but blush. As Mark wasn't used to being loved, looked at differently then a monster she wasn't used to being called beautiful.

“As for your question, it’s a good thing that you remind me of my mother. You’re just as kind and beautiful as her and you saw me as person and not as a monster that the others see me as.”

He took her hand then bringing it up to lay upon his cheek before gently nuzzling into it which in turn coursed her to smile.

“And I thank you much for it. I will always take care of you both and love you and our daughter no matter what.”

"I'm glad to hear it and it's not hard to see you as something other then what most people think of you for me it's easy you open up to me, show me the real you and I am grateful for that. I never thought I'd find love, have a family and now I have the greatest one of all just don't think to highly of me."

She drought his hand back to her lips then before once more letting him do as he wished with it.

"I'm glad I can remind you of your mother I wish I had known her but I can tell she must of been wonderful to raise a son as strong and as loving as you despite everything and I know you blame yourself but like I said I would die for you to it's a choice and one you can't blame yourself for."

She knew that he had been doing that as she had spoken, as he had thought about his mother.

"Mark you have to believe me I love you more then anything and anyone I would of died at Satlin's son hand if I could save you."

She stopped then her eyes falling to the ground.

"Sometimes though I wish I could talk to him make him see the wrong that his father had paced upon him, he was so kind to me I hate thinking that he..."

She stopped again her eyes coming up to meet Mark's.

"I'm sorry and here we where having a pleasant evening."

Thread Ended

[witch]

Evrard Ludovic-Marcellin

Evrard pulled into the small driveway of the sizeable home. It was a half-hour drive from his apartment on the other side of Paris. He parked the car and turned off the engine as he quickly looked over the front of the house. He glanced at the address on the dashboard. This was it. This was Cara's home. It had been some time since he last saw her and their last meeting had not been the most pleasant. He remembered it well. That husband of hers, the dangerous behemoth of a man, had ruined what should have been a celebratory evening. He had warned her against this stranger she had told him of. Of course she didn't listen. Why would she listen? Foolish child.

Evrard took a breath and got out of the car, taking the small gift from his passenger seat. It had been too long... She had a baby now, for Christ's sake, which was why he had bought this toy, a plush stuffed horse. Surely, the baby would like it. How old was the infant anyway? Little children always loved stuffed animals - right? Evrard shook his head as he walked up the driveway and toward the door. He would say he was excited to see her. That wasn't right. He was certainly looking forward to seeing the young Cara again, now a wife and mother. He was... curious. He had lost contact with her for the longest time. How had life been to her?

Holding the stuffed horse in his hand, he gave three loud raps on the door and casually adjusted the collar of his dark green sweater. Would Cara be different from the girl he once knew?

[witch]

Cara Blaze Andovea

Cara had just been in the kitchen cooking afternoon tea when she had heard the raps on the door making her first glance at her sleeping child to see if they had woken her but save for a slight stir she was still fast asleep.

Setting to food aside she smiled knowing who was at the door and rather looking forward to it for it had been such a long time since she had talked, let alone seen her patron it had been another life time ago. Now she was married, had a home and a child cutting back somewhat of her dancing and singing hoping that, that wouldn't be a factor tonight.

Picking up her child she walked to the door and pulled it open a smile on her face as her eyes fell upon the ever handsome Evrard.

"Evrard" she said with a smile this being one of those rare time she actually called him by his first name. "It's so good to see you again."

If it wasn't for the fact that Skyla was in her arms she would have hugged him, instead she simply lay a kiss to his cheek.

"Please come in and I'll show you around less you wish to eat first."

Once he had entered she closed the door behind them and led him through to the large living room.

"So, how has life been treating you since we last talked?"

If she remembered correctly he would be rather silent about his life quickly changing the subject to something.. or someone else, namely herself.

"Mark's not here by the way."

Somehow she felt compelled to say so maybe because of glancing eyes and a slightly tense feel about the air.