Hecates Incarnation

Nemoralia

With my mind at ease, and body sore. I allowed the maids to bathe, and dress me for the feasting ahead. To say I was ravenous, was a gross understatement. They wove wysteria, jasmine, and more roses into a garland for my hair, quickly dressed me, and I was ushered off to be fed. The Ox that was sacrificed was roasted during the other festivities, and was surrounded by other feast offerings, salads, roast ducks, even a roast peacock in honor of the other female dieties. I was too tired, and far too hungry to hear the priest or priestesses offerings of thanks. Once they stopped talking, I ate. It was like I hadnt eaten in years, and finally given food. the servers kept asking me what I wanted, and piling my plates with whatever I said.

Pressed fruit drinks sweetened with honey were offered to me, as I was now "holy with child", everyone else drank mead. All I cared about was the food. Finally, about 9 plates into eating. I started to feel drowsy, as if being slowly lulled into sleep. Everyone around me seemed to speak in a hushed tone, until one of the maids broke the soft buzz of their hive mind to ask me if I wanted to go to bed. I asked her name, and told her "thank you, yes." Then fell asleep at the table. I woke up next, feeling perfectly rested, but unsure as to how long I had been asleep. Someone thoughtful had put a bell on my nightstand, as I tried to get up, but my stomach being so full still from the feasting, made it interesting to move.

"Yes Holy Mother?" a maid chimed in.

I sat up groggily, still waking up.

"What is your name hun?"

She curtsies, and bows her head.

"Nimue, your humble servant Holy Mother."

"No, need to stand on ceremony with me. Your name is pretty, thank you for telling me. may I ask how long have I been asleep?"

"Two weeks dear lady. We had to have a Doctor put an IV in your arm to make sure you wouldn't dehydrate, and to also make sure you got the vitamins you needed."

She gently points to my right arm, how I didn't notice it when I woke up is a bit concerning."

I feel a wave of nausea, and the need to bathe hits me like a freight train.

"I need a bath, please draw a jasmine bubble bath, and ask someone to please make me some tea with buttered toast?"

"As you wish milady."

She scurries off to do what I tasked her with, about two minutes later maids come flooding the room, tending to me, a nurse comes to take my stats, and remove the IV. I hear water rushing into an oversized recessed bathtub, the smell of coconut, jasmine, and burgamot hit my nose. One of the maids brushes the small knots out of my arms, while the others fetch a fluffy robe, and some soft slippers. I slowly make my way to the tub, anxious to soak off weeks of dead skin, and whatever else had accumulated. The water is tepid, I guess hot baths are out of the question, ok, time to turn on the jets. They feel amazing on my lower back, which for some reason is sore, my whole waist area is sore. I chalk it up to being in a bed for weeks. I let the maids wash my hair, and back, I do the rest myself, not thinking too much about anything. I just want this whole thing over with. I go to get up to rinse all the bubbles off, and I see it. In the mirror dead in front of me. My belly, my once flat, toned stomach is portruding.

Then it hit me, I am pregnant. Not with just any child, but with an incarnation of the Goddess Hecate herself. I check for stretch marks, as I remember my mother absolutely riddled with them, even in the earliest parts of showing. Smooth, not even a single bruise on my skin. "I told you I wouldn't change your body Mother, I mean to keep my word. No worries, let the maids and acolytes tend to you." I felt almost an immediate sense of calm, rinsed off, and went to go dry off. Then the thought of Balthazar hit my mind, where is my husband?

Balthazar-

I just want these meetings over with already, couldn't this have been an email? Darius f****d up again, go figure, he started flirting with his secretary, now we ALL have to sit through another seminar because dingbat thinks he is irresistable. Charming. My phone keeps buzzing in my briefcase, but this crap is mandatory, or the insurance company will revoke the coverage on all of the buisnesses. *sigh. I know what consent is, why can't this i***t? My fathers steps can be heard bounding down the hall, ugh, what now?

Gregorus: "SHE'S AWAKE!!!!! MEETING ADJOURNED!! BALTHAZAR. GET YOUR ASS ON A PLANE NOW!"

Dumbstruck, I sit there trying to process what he just told me. She is awake, it has been weeks, doctors said she was in a deep ren sleep, almost hibernation. My brother slaps me upside the head as he grabs my briefcase, calling ahead to fuel the jet, and for our bags to meet us at the airport. My stepmother had go-bags ready for when we got the call.

Less than an hour later, the entire clan is on the plane.

Gregorus:"I bet it's a boy!"

Sonya: "The child will be a girl, this is a literal Goddess incarnate. Hecate incarnate, there is no way her s*x is male. She is our mother goddess, she is the one who grants us our clan abilities. Plus, the doctors have already shared the s*x of the child, it is indeed female. But, because we do not know what she will decide when she is old enough to voice it. We have all opted for gender neutral gifts. Behave yourself Walrus."

We were all crammed onto our family jet, 4 families that made up our clan. 3 generations of all who survived the last witch hunts. All I could hyperfixate on, was my pregnant wife that I barely got to spend 24 hours with. From introduction, to the wedding, the conception ceremony, to the feast. I woke up the next morning with her sweet hair sprawled across my chest, her skin, softly glowing in the early sunlight. I haven't stopped thinking about her since, no other woman I have crossed paths with since has even held the slightest bit of interest for me. It is like nobody exists except for her.

The plane lands on the airstrip just outside of the compound, a caravan of black SUVs await our arrival, the footmen, and the drivers swiftly transfer our luggage. Within minutes, we are cruising down the winding avenue towards the main house. Lined with cherry trees, willows, and varying shades of wisteria, and lilac trees. Despite it not being the proper season for it, they were all covered in blossoms, every single one. Lending their calming perfumes to the soft breeze. The air has an electric quality to it, almost like the smell of ozone before a lightening storm. The feeling of it on your skin, made the little hairs stand on end. Everywhere you looked, you saw it, every species of night flowers, every possible spell ingredient growing in its most wild perfection, all around. As if the Goddess Persephone herself had designed this all in welcome of her dearest friend.

After what felt like a small eternity, the house finally came into view. It is taking every ounce of self control not to jump out of the car, and run into the house. Decorum must be upheld, there is protocol that has to be observed. The Priest, and Priestess greeted us at the door, along with dozens of servants to grab our bags, and escort us all to our respective suites. Mine would be with my wife, it had a spare bedroom in case the doctors on site said that she had to sleep by herself. I didn't want to contemplate this, I had this urge, this absolute need to be by her side. I wish these two blowhards would stop aggrandizing their roles here, their jobs are done. it seems I have let out a sound of annoyance, everyone here is staring at me now. One of the handmaidens comes to escort me, Im not entirely sure as to where, as I was not particularly paying attention to anything said. I smell her perfume before I see her, they have her in a large well lit room. Her dress is a soft daffodil yellow, in the shape of an upside down trumpet flower. Her hair slowing freely, with honeysuckle. I walk past the handmaid, and make a beeline. She turns around, and I see her belly. My hands go directly to it, like an instinct.

Yvette:"Is that any way to greet your wife sir?"

"Oh my gawd, I am such a dumbass."

I pick her up, and gently twirl her around. Planting what felt like a million kisses on her forehead.

"AHEM!", the priestess makes her entrance known so we can comport ourselves.

Oh goodie, it's the procession. Yvette holds my hand, her other on her belly. Why does she have to look so cute? Ok, it is time to focus on the task at hand.

"Matem, we humbly present to you, your husbands clan. You will be protected under his familial banner, and as agreed. You and your remaining clan members will now be considered part of this clan. So mote it be, In Her name. As is tradition, when a new bride is welcomed, and is blessed with pregnancy, the members of her husbands clan bring gifts, or in this case, offerings. We will start with the lowest ranking, and move our way up."

Finally, she was done talking. First up were some cousins I barely remembered, I think the last time I even saw them was when I was still in the single digits. But, they were clan, and attendance was mandatory. 7 of them, holy hell, a brood. No wonder they didnt live on or near the compound, the apartments not meant for the family head were only meant to house no more than 3-4 people. Yvette was smiling, especially at the children walking behind their parents. I could do nothing, but stand there beaming with pride.

Yvette: "Hello, please introduce yourselves, I wish to know each member of my new family."

They timidly approached, and I saw my father glaring at them from across the room, Sonya was too. I will ask them why later.

" We are the Marshalls. We are a humble family, and as our gift, we offer our servitude to you Matem, and to the Holy incarnation you carry. My wife is degreed in child development, and I am a handyman, as well as a skilled gardener. Your house will never fall into disrepair, and the Blessed child you carry will be cared for by a family member who specializes in perfect development. We beg you to accept the offering we present to you. It is not much, but it is all we have."

Yvette stood there for a minute, in quiet contemplation.

Y: "Please, do not kneel to me, we are family, call me Yvette. I have decided to accept your offering, but there are stipulations to my acceptance of such a magnanimous offering. First, there will be a proper house built for your family, with enough room for each child to have their own spaces. This home will be appointed on land adjacent to my own, so family can always stay near. You will also be given enough land to grow your own food, and raise chickens, and other animals for food. Second, Your work will be paid, and you will be paid well. This I refuse to budge on, I believe in fair work, for fair wages. We will not pay you minimum wage, you will be paid oduble the industry standard, so that you may raise your family comfortably, and if your sons so choose to work for the household as well. The same would apply to them, with half withheld in interest accruing accounts, so that if, and when they wish to strike out on their own. They will have a nest egg, their college educations will also be covered, no matter what school they choose. I will see to all of this personally. I know what it is to struggle, and will not allow anyone in my family to do so. So mote it be. "

The clan audibly gasped. But who could tell her no? She outranked us all, even me. The procession continued, she was given priceless heirlooms, jewelry, most notably a bib choker necklace, ring, and earring set with rubies, and tahitian pearls. The rubies were shaped like pomegranate seeds, with the necklace coming to a point right between her breasts with a large pear shaped ruby at the very tip. I caught myself envisioning her wearing an oxblood sheer chiffon robe, hair free, and that necklace. I had to catch myself before I embarassed myself. She got presents for both her, and our child. Everything one may possibly need for a new baby, clothing, and supplies until she would be a year old. She stayed smiling throughout it all. Even mingled with the family afterwards, but she started to look a bit run down. I flagged the priestess down.

"Can you ask her delicately if she is starting to feel tired? I am afraid we will have a repeat of two weeks ago."

P: "You are right, she looks overwhelmed and a bit tired. I will have the handmaidens bring in a chaise lounge. You can go get her something cool to drink, that will help refresh her and the fetus, make sure it is sweet to combat any nausea, also have one of the maids prepare her a snack plate as well. I did notice she has not had a chance to eat."

No sooner than she said that, did a couple of the groomsmen on standby lug in an overstuffed victorian style chaise lounge, with mother of pearl inlay. I rush to grab her a drink, and politely ask one of the ladies in uniform to please grab her a nice plate of some of the finger foods that they knew of that she liked best. And rushed back to where they were having her lie down, propping her feet up on a soft pillow.

"Are you ok?" I ask her softly.

Y: "mmhmm." She replies, all but scarfing down the food. "My feet are absolutely murdering me, and my lower back feels tired. I think I just needed to sit down. Is that lemonade?"

I hand her the drink in my hand, she gulps it down, seemingly, without breathing.

"Would you like a foot rub? I read in that expecting book that a foot massage is good for pregnancy. And I took some courses in massage during my pre-college days."

Her eyes lit up like my brother when seeing he could buy a Lambo for the first time.

Y: "Yes please! Oh, I would LOVE that!"

I start massaging her poor swollen feet, soft circular motions, I ask one of the maids if she would please bring me some foot cream so I could do this properly. She got it so fast, I could have sworn she flew. My stepmother, Sonya comes over with a smile on her face.

S: "Is there anything I could do to help? Would you like a neck massage dear?" she asked my wife.

Y: " Yes please, I am all tense today, I cant explain why, or how. I am glad to finally meet all of my new family. Thank you Sonya for bringing them all here, I know the birth will be much easier to recover from with all of you to help while I heal."

She starts working on her neck, and shoulders, then up to her scalp, Yvette goes almost cross eyed when she hits the scalp. Sonya is the best, she did instruct me after all. That is how she met my father. Our combined efforts have Yvette drifting off into a deep sleep in less than ten minutes flat. The Priestess, who was closely watching, made her way around the room. Apparently letting everyone know to speak in hushed voices so Yvette could rest. She starts ushering everyone else into the dining hall, then walks over to me, still rubbing her feet, the swelling is going down.

P: "We are going to have the Doctors speak to the family members about new protocols for your wifes health. I will give you a copy of the new protocols as well, so that way if you see anyone violating them. You can be aware of how it could possibly harm Her, or your child. these protocols have to be followed to the absolute letter. While yes, she is carrying a diety. She herself is still human, and this is new territory. We do not know if she could miscarry, or even end up going into premature labor due to the slightest stressors. We are treating this pregnancy as a High Risk. They have a surgical suite, and after birthing suites at the ready just in case. But, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Let her rest for now, you can take one too. There are armed guards at every entrance, and outside every window ready to lay their lives for the sakes of your wife and child. Nod if you understand."

I nod, I hate the condescension dripping in her voice. But I nod anyway, if anything, just to get her the f**k out of my face. And so she wouldn't wake my wife. I keep rubbing her feet, until I myself start to drift off as well.

Sonya POV- Internal dialogue

I cannot believe what Balthazars wife just did. She doesn't know. How could she know? Up until a couple of weeks ago, she had not even met any of us. Now she is meeting all of us, while very pregnant, and feeling an overwhelming sense of family. I get she came from nothing after her family wasted all of their money. But to pardon HIM and that THING. We had offered years ago to brnig the 5 boys to live with us at the main house, even expanding our own apartments to accomodate them. But NOT those two. They should not have been pardoned. They killed her, My husbands sainted first wife that gave him all but one of his children. Kara, even her name meant "darling", My husband said he wasnt true mated to her like he is with me. But the Goddess blessed them none the less. When she caught him stealing from the family vault to cover gambling debts, he shot her. Point blank in the head, clan law strictly forbade execution of a blood member, with p********a being the only exeption. That had a rather nasty punishment that involved dripping acid on certain body parts, then blood eagling said pedophile. His wife tried to lie for him, to give him an alibi, even helped him dispose of the gun. But clever Kara had the highest tech surveillance installed, caught them both in HD. Clan law also forbade us turning them into the authorities, so we exiled them. Made them change their last names as well, cut them off from the clan accounts. Last I had heard, they were living in a run down, roach infested trailer, on state assistance. Because his gambling debts ate into any income they brought in.The boys, five of them, christ. Looked like half starved scarecrows, clothing too small, or had holes, they didn't smell clean. I can see why Yvette took pity. *Sigh, I will have to speak to Gregorus about putting surveillance all over both properties, and beefing up security. I will not have our grandchild harmed. At least those boys can live somewhere clean, where they can get enough to eat. I will see to that personally if I have to.

The Dining Hall-

Priestess:

"You have all been summoned here, to be instructed in the new protocols. These are to be followed as gospel, there are no grey areas, no wiggle room. The lives of The Holy Matem, and The Godess incarnate hang in the balance. We have 3 Doctors on the premises, as well as a full medical team. After I am done, they will take over in instructing you with how things are to be leading up to the birth, if you don't like anything explained, or if you feel as if you are incapable of compliance. There is the door, there are SUVs waiting for anyone who wishes to leave, once you leave, you can not come back to this compound without the Matems express permission, and even then, not until after the safe delivery has been confirmed."

Handmaidens, and footmen start handing out small booklets with a piece of paper that has writing on it, and pens out to everyone, even the kids. Three people in Doctors garb, with name tags file in behind the Priestess.

First Dr.- "My name is Oscar Mejia, I will be the head Bruja Ob-Gyn surgeon in Charge of the Holy Mothers care, pre, and post natal. To my right is Doctor Sonya Willowsong, she is our Metaphysics expert, we found her presence to be prudent considering there is zero documentation of an event such as this in human history. And to her right is Doctor Salvador Dantes, He specializes in extremely troubled pregnancies. We will be taking detailed records for posterity reasons, with the express permission of the Matem herself. Permission, that she may take back at any given moment. In front of you is a contract, there are strict rules to be followed. There will be no fighting, no causing stress, or overwhelming of tThe Matem during her pre-natal, and post natal phases. This is not negotiable people, in the pamphlets in front of you, please find a set of guidelines that every single one of you, including children. MUST follow. Breaking any one of these rules will see you ex communicated until after the birth, and even then, only at The Matems discretion. Hers, and the Infanta Goddesses health, is of the utmost importance. Your comfort, and lives are not as important. Within reason, we will make allowances. But, there are SUVs on standby to escort you off the premises. If any of this is unclear to you, or you find you can not follow the rules set forth. Nobody will stop you from leaving. Being here for this historical event, is a PRIVILEGE and NOT a right. I think I have made my points exceedingly clear. In front of you are contracts, everyone able to, are required to sign to remain here.

That is all."

Darius POV-

The Doctors, Priestess, her alcolytes, and maids all disperse. Footmen all stand at the end of each table, rectangular baskets in each hand, making sure to collect each and every single contract signed by each of us, even the small children were told to write their names as best they could. Afterwards small sandwiches, drinks, and fresh fruit were provided. The kids were given cookies, and ice cream. I want cookies, and ice cream..... Apparently my new sister in law set that part up, a section of the house was set aside for children, different age groups had appropriate activities to keep them occupied, and get all their wiggles out. She really thought of everything, She will make a fine addition to the matriarchal clique in the family. Balthazar is one lucky bastard, of course he was chosen for this, dads favorite. Not like he makes any secret of it, can't blame him for what dad does though. I can't help but envy the fucker though, Yvette is a bride I definitely would have chosen for myself, with or without the holy Mother bit.

Yvette-

I barely remember falling asleep, I reaaaaalllly hope I haven't been asleep for weeks again. Talk about EMBARASSING!!! s**t, what is on my feet? Damn it, I have to pee. What the hell is on my feet? Oh, hello handsome. My husband fell asleep rubbing my feet, I must send him to the masseuse who gave me an entire workup before the guests arrived. Their hands are pure magic. I go to stand up, so I can go pee, trying to wriggle my feet free. As not to wake him, sweet man. VICTORY! One set of piggies free, now to juuuuust get the oooother foooooot......

*FWOOMP

I bust my ass, whacking my left arm on the, luckily, super cushioned lounge. Unfortunately, I make enough noise to alert the soldiers right outside the door who end up seeing me. Limbs akimbo, my skirt from my dress just, everywhere. And my poor husband just got kicked in the face. I am such a klutz, cheese and crackers. -_- The Handmaidens rush to the room, bringing a wheelchair, and 2 of my brothers in law. Joygasm, all of these people have now seen my grannie panties, and I have to piss like a racehorse. I let them gently lift me into the chair, 2 of the maids help affix my skirt back to rights. I murmur my thanks, not trying to be rude, while quietly mentioning I have to go pee really bad. The head maid of the day, Isoldem whisks me away as soon as possible, commanding the crowd that has accrued to get out of the way. They part like the red sea, she deftly whips me around to the nearest toilet, just in the nick of time. Yaaaaaaasssssssssss.

Balthazar-

"WHAT THE f**k!????"

Rudely awakened to a swift kick to the right cheek, and a loud bang. I bolt straight up thinking My poor wife has been attacked. Nope, shes sprawled out on the floor. Here comes the goon squad, she sits up, trying to cover her legs back up, I am still a bit too dizzy to stand. She says something sounding like an apology, and mentions kickboxing. Before I can even gather my wits, they get her into a wheelchair and out of the room.

*SMACK! I get a swift thwack to the back of my head. I already know who it is before he says anything. Dad.

Gregorus: "PAY ATTENTION BOY! Why are you praddling around like a toddler who just got off the swings? You need to be more battle ready, how did a small little thing like her knock the daylights out of you so easy? What did you do? Did you insult her? You better go buy something really expensive and super shiny if you did insult your pregnant wife. Even if you don't know how you did it, just always apologize to the wife, ....especially when they are carrying your kids, happy wife happy life."

"Dad, I was asleep, I don't know how, in any world that would have insulted her. She said something about trying to get up without waking me. I think I fell asleep on her feet while rubbing them."

G: "Boy, no wonder you fell asleep! You've been awake since yesterday! Go check on your wife, and let us all know what the doctors say. Shoot me a text or somethin, but keep me in the loop."

"Alright dad, will do."

I ask one of the footmen which direction the rooms they would be taking her to would be. Then I start almost running, the need to be near her is too great. These rooms are clear across the house, makes sense they would keep her somewhere quiet, and secluded. Even running, it takes over ten minutes to traverse this house. I forgot my present for her, make a beeline for the next footman I see.

"Hey, buddy. Can you do me a favor and tell me where my bags are? My name is Balthazar Sanguinus."

The footman grabs his walkie, makes a couple of inquiries.

"This way sir."

He leads me in the direction I was going in, except slightly askew. Around fuve minutes later, we reach a well appointed suite. Vaulted ceilings, painted frescoes, more fresh flowers, and fruits than would be considered tasteful otherwise. And in the master suite, My luggage. A maid is still unpacking it for me.

"Have you seen an oxblood colored velvet rectangular box? It was tied with gold chiffon ribbon?" 

She looks at me as if to ponder me for a moment. Then points directly at the main dresser, there it is. My Mothers prized jewelry set, I open it to make sure all of the pieces aren't a mess, fix the ones that got jumbled in the flight. Everything must be perfect. I catch a whiff of myself, and err on the side of caution. I wait for the maid to leave before grabbing some fresh clothing. A clean linen suit, with a soft lagoon blue/ robins egg blue, egyptian cotton shirt. Someone told me it was one of her most favorite colors. So I made sure to order as many things without looking gaudy in it. I jump into the shower, jets from every direction, blue marble walls with gold veining, and scrub. The spot on my cheek is still sore, but I ignore it and do a military quick shower. I barely get out of the shower when I hear the sound of people running in the halls. It doesnt sound like they are running for fun, I hear hushed voices, panic is palpable, then I hear it.

Screams.