New Fic - "My First"

[FIRESIGN]

Hello Everybody!

Thanks for hanging in there - things have been hectic with the holidays and all...but I am working on updates - and hope to get them up on Monday or Tuesday.

Hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season!

Have a great night - and again - thanks for hanging in there!

FIRESIGN
aka Cin

[FIRESIGN]

Chapter One-hundred and Twelve

The days went by faster than expected. Much of them, Tara spent in long, tiring sessions with the sisters, learning how to control the powers that she now wielded. Willow, too, spent time with the sisters, honing her craft; however, she also spent several hours training with Buffy and Faith. She had insisted on learning hand-to-hand combat skills, saying that it was her right, being ‘half-slayer’ and all. Realistically, she knew that she would need every skill that she could acquire to protect her family. Reluctantly, Buffy and Faith gave in, only with the understanding that there would be no contact on her part…she would be allowed to hit them full force, but they would stop short of making contact. The sisters and Giles agreed reluctantly, only until such a time that Willow’s pregnancy had progressed to a point where it would not be completely safe for the baby. That point came rather abruptly…

Tara sat in a perfect lotus position, floating gracefully within what appeared to be a sphere of blue flames…

“She learns so quickly! I never dreamt that she’d have mastered these techniques this early.” The sister said to Mirahannon.

“Her mother had great power as well…she started teaching Tara at a very young age. It’s definitely had a stabilizing effect on her…” Mirahannon said, smiling.

Just as the words had left her mouth, something broke Tara’s concentration. Her head snapped as if someone had yelled for her, the flames extinguished and she stood on the floor.

“Willow…” Tara said, taking off on a dead sprint through the castle.

Meanwhile…

Willow circled Faith, waiting for her to make her move.

“Watch her, take in the whole picture…concentrate on what your gut is telling you…then go with it.” Buffy instructed her sister.

Faith continued to stalk, suddenly springing at the red-head. Willow quickly blocked the glancing blow and followed through with two punches and a kick. Just as the kick made contact with Faith’s solarplexus, there was a loud cracking noise…and Willow doubled over in pain.

“Will!” Buffy said, running to her side. “What’s wrong? What happened? Faith…get the sisters!”

“I’ll be right back…don’t move, Red.” Faith said, running out of the room.

“Hold on…I’m just gonna get you a chair…” Buffy said, running to the side of the room, returning with a chair. She eased her sister, who was now panting slightly, down into the seat. “I’m sorry, Will…I’m so sorry…I never should have let you talk me into this…” Buffy said, holding her hand, kneeling at her side.

“Not…your….fault….” Willow said, gasping for breath. “Tara…”

“Faith’s getting her and the sisters…they should be here…” The words were barely out of her mouth when Tara came flying through the doorway.

“Willow! What happened…are you okay?” She said, desperately trying to control her urge to panic. She took her wife’s hand in her own, kneeling down beside her, kissing her hand.

“We were just working out…and all of a sudden, something cracked…and she…she’s having problems breathing…” Buffy said, tears rolling down her face.

Tara placed her hand over Willow’s abdomen, closing her eyes as she concentrated…seconds later, her eyes opened.

“It’s the baby…” Tara began.

“Is…she…okay?” Willow said, gasping for every breath.

“She’s fine…she’s growing so fast…she b-broke a few of your ribs when she moved…”

Just then, Mirahannon and a few of the other sisters arrived at Willow and Tara’s side, Faith behind them.

“Hangin’ in there, Red?” Faith asked, trying to lighten the moment…obviously concerned about her friend.

Willow panted and gave a weak thumbs up.

“Her ribs…they’re broken…it’s the b-baby.” Tara said, looking to Mirahannon for direction.

“Go ahead, Tara…you know what to do.” Mirahannon said, nodding her approval.

Tara nodded, closing her eyes, breathing in deeply through her nose…exhaling slowly through her mouth…her hands hovered barely above Willow’s skin. She moved them gradually up her torso…as they approached the injured area, her hands began to glow a brilliant blue. Tara stopped, the glow intensifying.

Slowly, the color started coming back to Willow’s face as she was able to breathe more evenly. After a few moments, the glowing subsided. Tara opened her eyes.

“Are you okay?” Buffy asked, noticing her change in appearance and breathing.

“Actually…” Willow said, breathing in deeply “…yes…I feel…good as new!” She said, smiling.

“Nicely done, Tare.” Faith said, amazed at what she had just seen.

“Tara…baby…how did you?” Willow asked, in awe of what her love had just done to her.

“It’s all a part of elemental magicks…manipulating energy fields…repairing them…” Tara explained.

“You did magnificiently, Tara…but I’m afraid that this will only be a temporary fix.” Mirahannon cautioned.

“What do you mean, temporary?” Willow asked, hesitantly.

“Well, dear…I’m afraid that you’re going to have to limit your activities now. The baby is growing faster than we had anticipated…”

“That explains the broken ribs…” Faith said.

“Exactly. I’m afraid that this is only the first of what could be many injuries if you aren’t careful.”

“What are you saying, Mira?” Buffy asked.

“Willow’s going to have to go on strict bed rest now until she delivers the baby.”

“WHAT?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!! I am NOT going to just lay in bed all day doing absolutely nothing…I’ll go nuts! I can’t do it…tell them, Buffy…you remember when I had that broken leg…you guys tried to keep me in bed…and I figured a way out…tell them!” Willow said, in a tizzy.

“She’s right…we left her alone for one hour…came back, and she had strapped a roller skate to the bottom of her cast and was getting ready to break out…” Buffy said, stifling a chuckle at the memory.

“Will…you have to do this, baby…” Tara said, trying her best to calm her wife down.

“B-but…it’ll be fine! If she decides to stretch again and breaks something or whatever…I’ll just have you do your glowy-hands thingy…and I’ll be good as gold!” Willow said, stubbornly.

“I was able to fix it this time…but there’s no guarantees that I can fix everything…and it could put the baby in distress…” Tara said, placing her hand protectively over Willow’s baby bump.

“If it’s any consolation, Willow…I don’t think it will be much longer than a week or so…” Mirahannon said.

Tara, Buffy, Faith, and Willow all turned to look at the woman, somewhat dumbfounded.

“…a w-week?” Willow said, the color draining from her face once more.


To Be Continued...

[Zampsa1975]

Yay for good update-y goodness... I hope Tara is able to calm Willow down enough to keep her in bed for a week...

[deviantART]

willow really gonna have a baby yay

[SJ]

Great update.

[Morrigan]

Gonna be interesting to see how this turns out...

Hopefully the labor will be as truncated as the pregnancy...there has to be some silver lining, right?

Looking ofrward to more...

[taranwillow4ever]

Hum...I see some Twilighty aspects of this...

[FIRESIGN]

Chapter One-Hundred and Thirteen

The week seemed to drag on for everyone. They all did the best that they could to keep Willow happy while she was confined to bedrest, but the redhead was not easy to please.

“Please…please…please? Just for a little while?” Willow begged, flashing her best pouty look at her love.

“Sweetie…I know you’re bored…and I know you’re sick and tired of laying around in bed all day…but you can’t risk it. Mira said…” Tara began, trying to reason with her.

“Yeah…yeah…Mira said I have to stay in bed…what does she know, anyhow? How do we know that she’s right? I mean…how many half-slayer, half-sorceress babies could she possibly have delivered in her lifetime…hmmm?!”

“Will…baby…I love you…” Tara said, sitting on the bed next to her love. “…but you’ve got to do this…for her.” She said, laying her hand on Willow’s belly.

“I know…” Willow said, sheepishly.

“Now…how about some…ice cream?” Tara said, smiling as she tickled Willow gently under the chin.

Willow’s eyes lit up like a child on Christmas morning.

“Do you think they’d have Blue Moon?” She asked, licking her lips in anticipation.

“I’m sure they will. Just let me go downstairs and check and I’ll be right back, okay?” Tara said, giving her a quick peck on the forehead and heading out the door.

She was gone only a few minutes, returning with a large bowl of ice cream and two spoons.

“Hey love…look what I’ve got…” She started to say, stopping in her tracks as she saw Willow lying in the middle of the bed looking rather dumbfounded. “Baby? Are you okay?”

“I think I wet the bed…” She said, tears rolling down her face.

“Oh Goddess…okay…just a second…I’ll b-be right back…” Tara said, running out of the room.

“Buffy! Faith!!!” Tara yelled in a panic.

Both slayers emerged from their room, stakes in hand.

“Tare…what’s wrong?!” Buffy asked.

“Get Mira and Anya…W-Willow’s water just broke!” Tara said, fighting back the tears that were a mixture of fear and excitement.

“Oh my God! Oh my God! Somebody needs to boil water, right? Is somebody doing that?” Buffy said, panicking.

“B…calm down…nobody needs to boil water…just stay here with Tare and your sis…I’ll go get the others. It’s gonna be okay.” Faith said, giving the Slayer a quick kiss before darting down the hall.

Five minutes later…

“I’m not ready!” Willow protested. “Tara…baby…tell them! Tell them I’m not ready!!!”

“Sweetie…I don’t think we have a choice in this, she’s coming now! Just think…in just a little while here, she’ll be here…our baby…” Tara said, wiping Willow’s brow with a cool washcloth.

“It won’t be long, now…she’s completely dilated.” Anya said, peering over Mirahannon’s shoulder as the old woman examined Willow.

“WHAT PART OF I. AM. NOT. READY. DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND???!!!!!” Willow said, glaring at the pair.

“Shouldn’t she be doing that Lorenzo Lamas breathing thingy?” Buffy asked, holding her sister’s hand, fighting back her urge to panic.

“Lamas breathing…minus the Lorenzo…and yeah…but she’s a little far into this…she’s just about there.” Faith said, rubbing Buffy’s shoulders, trying to calm her down.

“Willow…you’re going to feel the urge to push…but try not to until I tell you to, alright?” Mira instructed.

Tara kissed Willow’s face all over, whispering to her as she did so. “Do you know how much I love you? You are my everything…and I’m so proud of you...I love you so much…and I know you can do this…just squeeze my hand…she’s just about here…”

“Excellent…she’s crowning!” Mira said. “Willow, you’re going to feel a big more pressure…I’ve got to slow the babe down a bit…”

“Slow it down????!!!!! JUST GET IT OUT!!!! NOW!!!!!” Buffy yelled excitedly.

“Okay…get ready…here she comes…push! Push! Push! Push!” Anya coached.

Willow squeezed both her sister and her wife’s hands until they turned white, she leaned forward, grimacing as she pushed as hard as she could…
Mira placed a small amount of pressure on the baby’s head, guiding it through the turn as she emerged from the birth canal. Tara and the others watched in amazement as this special baby…the one that they had waited for…the one that was foretold…made her entrance into the world…and a hush fell over the room as Mira held the babe for the first time, giving it a bit of a rub on the chest. Suddenly, as if by cue, she cried a shivery bawling sound and the room erupted in cheers.

“Tara…would you like to clip the cord?” She asked.

Tara nodded enthusiastically as Mira clamped the cord in two places, handing a silver ruby-studded cris to her. Tara took the knife and held it in both of her hands, looking to Willow, who nodded her approval.

“Goddess…we thank you for this miracle of life…” She said, cutting the cord and lifting her daughter for the first time. “…and welcome to this world Ashley Elizabeth Rosenberg-Maclay.”


To Be Continued....

[Zampsa1975]

Yay for great update-y goodness...

[SJ]

Great update.

[Codyteddyh]

Wow that is a GREAT story. I can't wait for more. The tought of Willow having the baby is priceless. I'm hooked and can't wait for more. Thanks for writing a great story. Keep up the great work.

[FIRESIGN]

Chapter One-hundred and Fourteen

“Hey Ashley…I’m your Auntie Buffy…” the Slayer cooed, gently touching a finger to her neice’s rosy cheek.

Willow’s arms gently cradled the sleeping red-headed babe in her arms, Tara sitting next to her on the bed, her arm wrapped protectively around her family. The rest of the scoobies and Mira filled the room, waiting for their turn to congratulate the new mothers and welcome the newest member of their extended family.

“She looks just like you guys! You did so good, Wills…I love you guys!” Buffy said, tears rolling down her cheeks.

“Okay, Auntie B…how about we slide aside so the rest of the crew can see them, k?” Faith said, gently putting her arm around Buffy. “Congrats you guys…she’s a real beauty!”

“Thanks, Faith…” Tara said with a wink.

Xander and Anya made their way to the bedside.

“Hey kiddo…I’m your Uncle Xander…welcome to the world, sweet girl…” he said, leaning over to place a soft kiss on the baby’s head. “And you…” he said, taking his best friend’s hand in his own, kissing the back of it gently “…you did great, Wills…she’s a real beauty, you guys.” His own eyes clouding with tears.

“Yes…she is a very attractive child…” Anya said, suprisingly more pleasant than usual. She leaned in closer to the baby. “Hello…despite the fact that you cannot possibly understand me at this stage of your development, I feel compelled to inform you that I am your Aunt Anya…”

The baby awoke, looking at the former vengeance demon for the first time through blurry newborn eyes. Everyone held their breath waiting for the babe to start screaming, but instead, she looked at Anya, her bright blue eyes twinkling, and smiled.

“Did you see that? She smiled at me!” Anya said, excitedly.

“It’s gas.” Faith said, stoically.

“It most certainly is not gas!” Anya protested. “She knows her Auntie Anya, doesn’t she?” Anya cooed.

“Oooookay, how about we give Giles here a chance, An…” Xander said, guiding Anya away.

Giles made his way to Willow’s side, tears clouding his eyes as he saw his young apprentice and her family.

“Willow…Tara…she’s absolutely stunning…and I am so proud of you both!”

Tara and Willow looked at each other and smiled, Tara nodded toward her wife.

“How would you like to hold your granddaughter, Grandpa?” Willow asked.

“Grandpa?” Giles said, his voice shaking, overcome by emotion.

“The only one she’ll ever know.” Willow answered.

“I…I would be honored.” Giles said, reaching down, awkwardly – but gently taking the babe from Willow’s arms. He cradled her to his chest, looking into her bright blue eyes, smiling proudly at the thought of being this miraculous child’s grandfather.

Ashley smiled and gurgled, reaching out to touch the Watcher’s face.

“She’s…perfect…” Giles said, tears now flowing freely down his face.

“As her Grandfather…we would like you to perform the Wiccaning ritual…” Tara said.

“Yes! Of course!” Giles said, excitedly. He kissed the baby’s forehead lovingly, and passed her back to her mothers. “As soon as you’re feeling up to it.”

“Thank you.” Tara said, on behalf of the family.

Mira moved to the bedside, looking at the baby in awe. She placed her hand upon the baby’s head, saying “Le suilon, Ashley Elizabeth. Elen síla lumenn' omentielvo.”

“I’m sorry, Mira…what did you just say?” Willow asked.

“Just the traditional elvish greeting…literally translated ‘I greet thee, Ashley Elizabeth. A star shines on the hour of our meeting.’” Mira explained.

“It’s beautiful. Thank you, Mira…for everything.” Tara said, graciously.

Mira nodded. “Your most welcome…but it is my honor. Rest well, young ones…if you need anything, just ask. We will make sure you have everything you need.”

“Thanks so much…really…” Willow said, echoing her wife’s sentiments.

Mira smiled and made her way to the door, shooing the rest of the gang out of the room, closing the door behind them. Giving the young family their first moments of privacy.


To Be Continued...

[Zampsa1975]

Yay for excellent update-y goodness... I really liked Mira's greeting...

[love_2003]

Wondering where I was when you posted all these updates. Glad I was able to catch up though. Love the name of the baby.

[SJ]

Great update.

[rawrmeister]

update? pretty please?

[taranwillow4ever]

Great elvish greeting and I liked how Giles reacted.

[mstrykl]

PLEASE >>> PLEASE update and finish this great story, although I like your other stories I'm VERY IMPATIENTLY waiting for the rest of the story that you started so long ago .... GREAT STORY PLEASE UPATE AND FINISH IT AND YOUR STORY " TIMELESS " AS WELL ......

mstrykl

[FIRESIGN]

CHAPTER ONE-HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN

Tara lay on her side next to Willow, her right arm around Willow’s shoulders, her left gently stroking the rosy cheek of their daughter – laying on Willow’s chest.

“I can’t believe she’s here…” Willow said, tired – yet excited.

“You did so well, sweetheart…I’m so proud of you!” Tara said, leaning in and placing a gentle kiss on her forehead, then trailed down to her lips…

Tara’s movement was subtle, but unfortunately, it was enough to wake the sleeping babe, who started to fuss…

“Aww…shhhhhh…Ashley, baby…” Tara cooed. “Mama’s sorry…shhhhhh….”

“Do you think there’s something wrong?” Willow asked, feeling a bit unsure about what to do.

“No…I’m sure she’s fine…maybe she’s hungry…” Tara suggested.

“What do you think, Ashley…are you hungry?” Willow asked, running her hands over the tuft of silky red hair on the baby’s head.

Ashley responded with a loud bawl, and Willow’s breast immediately started lactating.

“I’ll take that as a yes…from both of you!” Tara said, smiling.

Willow opened the top of her gown, exposing her breast. She gently rolled the baby up on its side, positioning her rosebud mouth near her erect nipple. Ashley nuzzled her briefly, but wouldn’t take the nipple into her mouth. Frustrated, she bawled loudly.

“What’s the matter? Why isn’t she taking it?” Willow said, the panic rising in her voice. “She doesn’t like it…oh Goddess! What if she doesn’t like me?”

“Honey…she not only likes you…she loves you, just like her Mama does!” Tara said, trying to set her wife at ease. “Mira told us about this, remember? She doesn’t know how to nurse yet…we have to teach her…” Tara said, placing her pinky finger gently over Ashley’s lip, slowly inserting the tip in her tiny mouth. Instantly, the baby started to suck on Tara’s finger. “Okay…now, we have to just pinch your nipple…” Tara said, using her other hand to gently pinch Willow’s nipple, flattening it.

“Ooooh…I think you should do this every time we feed her!” Willow said, grinning as she wiggled her eyebrows up and down.

“I’m sure you do!” Tara said, giggling. “Now…we just move her up to your breast again…and wal-la!” She said, removing her finger from the baby’s mouth. Ashley immediately nuzzled Willow’s nipple, took it into her mouth and began suckling heartily. “Look at that…she’s a breast gal, just like her Mommy!”

“Oh…oh my…Tara…” Willow stared, her eyes clouding with tears.

“Sweetie…are you okay?” Tara asked, brushing a stray strand of hair behind the red-head’s ear, her thumb tracing soft circles over her temple.

“I’m okay…it’s just…this is our daughter…yours and mine…she’s so beautiful! Look at her…” Willow said, tears flowing freely down her cheeks as she looked at the baby suckling her breast. She was the perfect blend of both Tara and Willow, with Tara’s alabaster skin and a soft tuft of Willow’s crimson hair. Her mouth was clearly Willow’s, and although they could not yet tell the color of her eyes, Willow was certain that they would be Tara’s sapphire blue.

“She’s perfect…we’re perfect…” Tara said, holding her family safely in her arms.

Meanwhile…

Buffy and Faith stood guard outside the door. Buffy was unusually quiet, obviously deep in thought.

“You okay, B?” Faith asked, concerned about her love.

“What?” Buffy said, momentarily coming out of her daze.

“Are you okay? You seem a million miles away…” Faith said, gently placing her hand on the smaller girl’s lower back.

“Yeah…it’s just…she’s so tiny…so helpless…and she’s…she’s part of me…we share the same blood…” Buffy said, softly.

“Hey, that is one strong little girl in there…and did you see that hair? Just like Red’s…she’s gonna be just fine, B.” Faith reassured her.

“But…she’s going to have so much responsibility…the weight of the world on her tiny little shoulders…” The Slayer continued. “I know what that’s like…so do you. I don’t want that for her!” She said, tears now running down her face. “She should be able to run and play…and make mudpies…and everything that every little girl gets to do…”

Faith lovingly put her arms around the smaller girl. “Babe…listen…she will be able to do all of those things…”

“No she won’t! She’ll have to spend her time training with you…or training with me…or listening to Giles lecture her about her responsibilities…her duties…honor and all of that bullshit! Then she’ll have to learn all of those spells and magicks…she’ll constantly be looking over her shoulder for the next person or thing that’s going to attack her or try to destroy the world…” Buffy sobbed.

“…and when she looks over her shoulder, she’ll see her kick-ass Slayer Aunties, her Magick-totin’ Mamas, her Grandpa and all of his smarts, and even Uncle Xan-man and Auntie Demon-girl right here behind her…we will ALL be there for her. She will be alright…I swear to it, B…on my life.” Faith said, wiping the tears from the blonde’s face.

Around the corner, out of sight, Mira heard the once-dark Slayer’s pledge…knowing that Faith’s words would be tested all too soon…


To Be Continued...

[Zampsa1975]

Yay for great update-y goodness... I hope Mira warns the Scoobies about the impending attack...

[LonelyTara]

FIRESIGN, I just blasted through this whole fic. I have no idea how I never read it before, but boy oh boy am I glad I found it! I'm definitely going to pick up a copy of your book. Have any others been released? There have been so many moments of this story that made me laugh, I've been thrilled and anguished--it's a very engaging read! I hope that you'll continue to work on the fic regularly, and take us through Willow and Tara with both of their children. I thought it was great the way you brought Buffy and Faith together, and I love the idea of Willow and Buffy being sisters--what are you going to do with those green-eyed girls?! Donny's regret was very sweetly done, I'm glad their jerk of a father got what he deserved. Anya and Xander are spot-on too. Oh, and the scene where Joyce caught everyone having sex and then got caught with Giles was priceless! I was really laughing out loud there. The scene where Willow proposed with the hot chocolate was darling, and the lush detail of their wedding pavilion was beautiful. I could see it all so clearly that it felt like I was there! Brilliant writing. I can't wait to read your book too. Hooray for lesbian detectives!

I have a favor, would you include a link to your other fic, or PM it to me? I'd really like to read it while I'm waiting on your next post for My First.

[love_2003]

Great update. Although, I don't like the sound of that last sentence. I guessing there is a big-bad-fight coming up.

[SJ]

Great update.

[taranwillow4ever]

OOOO Love this fic. Thanks for updating.

[Laragh]

Ahh what a great update. So cute with their baby!

Love it!

[KioNewgo]

I have loved every second of this story so far, it's one of the best fics I've ever read! Please post an update soon :D:D
Again, absolutely amazing fic
-Marko. x

[FIRESIGN]

CHAPTER ONE-HUNDRED AND SIXTEEN

“I can’t believe it’s been almost three days already!” Willow said, rinsing the soap from her face as Tara tended to Ashley in her bassinette.

“I know…it seems like she just got here…and three days isn’t very long, love…are you sure you’re up to this?” Tara said, gently touching her daughter’s red locks.

“It must be that Slayer blood in me!” Willow said, proudly. “I actually feel great! Better than a few weeks ago…I can promise you that!” She said. “But I wouldn’t change a thing…she was worth every second of it.” She said with a smile as she walked towards the bassinette, wrapping her arms around Tara’s waist as they looked down upon the sleeping babe. She placed a gentle kiss behind the blonde’s ear…”But next time, baby…it’s your turn.”

Tara turned within Willow’s arms to face her, smiling. “I can’t wait…” She said, leaning in to capture Willow’s lips with her own.

Willow moaned as Tara slowly pulled away…

“As much as I would love to take this further…the three of us have somewhere very important to be in…” She looked at the clock on the nightstand, which read 11:40pm. “…twenty minutes.”

“We WILL continue this later…” Willow said, rather poutily.

Tara leaned in, giving her a chaste kiss. “Absolutely, love.” She said with a crooked smile. “But now…we need to get these robes on. The others will be waiting.” She said, taking the white robes from the dresser, handing one to Willow.

They both slipped them on, tying the sashes. Tara reached into the bassinette, picking up the baby, kissing her gently on the forehead before handing her to Willow.

The family headed out of the door, into the hallway – where Buffy and Faith were standing guard.

“How’s my girl doing?” Buffy asked, looking at the baby in Willow’s arms.

“Sound asleep…” Tara said, softly.

“You guys ready?” Faith asked.

Willow nodded and they headed down the hall to a winding staircase.

“You sure you’re ready for stairs, Red?” Faith asked.

“I’m fine, really…strong as an Amazon…or more like a Slayer…I feel great!” Willow assured them.

“Okay…but if you need help…” Buffy said, concerned.

“I’ll let you guys know…okay?”

Buffy nodded as they headed up the stairs.

After three flights, they came to a small landing with a door that opened out onto the top floor of the castle. As the door opened, they saw Giles and Mira standing, dressed in white robes similar to those that Tara and Willow wore. In his arms, Giles held a soft white angora baby blanket.

Anya, Xander, Buffy, and Faith all took their places to the sides of Giles and Mira. Several of the sisters of the coven stood nearby as witnesses.

“Welcome all who rejoice in the birth of Ashley Elizabeth Rosenberg-Maclay.” Giles began.

Mira then took a small silver bottle from her pocket, holding it up above her head. “With these elements, I do cleanse. By the Air which is Her breath, by the fire of Her love, by the flowing waters of Her blood, and the Earth, which is Her body, and her Spirit, which lives in me, I do cleanse this space, that it may be called Sacred..” She then took the bottle, uncapping it, and poured some of its contents into her left hand. She dipped the fingers of her right hand in the liquid and touched the baby’s forehead, saying “In the name of Artemis, may you be cleansed, consecrated, and regenerated. May your feet always walk the path of love and enlightenment. So mote it be.”

“So mote it be.” Replied everyone.

Giles then moved forward, cupping they baby’s head in his hand. “Welcome back, little one! May the Mother’s blessings shower thee with the love of family and friends. By my hand on your head I empower thee in this circle that never ends, we give you these gifts of life and enchantment.” He then unfolded the white angora baby blanket, wrapping the baby in it. “I give you this gift of spiritual success and free will, and the purification of spirit.” He nodded to Anya, who then came forward.

She took a silver ribbon from her pocket, pinning it on the baby’s blanket. “I give you this gift of psychism and the love of the Goddess.” She said, walking back to Xander, who now walked forward.

Xander took a blue ribbon from his pocket, pinning it next to the silver one, saying “I give you the gift of communications and intelligence.” He then returned to Anya’s side, taking her hand in his own.

Willow and Tara now took their ribbons and pinned them to the blanket.
Tara leaned down, placing a soft kiss on her daughter’s forehead. She touched the green ribbon, smiling “Ashley, my daughter, I give you the gift of healing and attunement with nature.”

Willow then touched the yellow ribbon, smiling “My sweet girl…I give you the gift that all needs will be met in a positive way and that joy be a constant companion in your life.” Willow then nodded to Buffy and Faith, who came forward.

Buffy pinned her gold ribbon to the blanket, saying “I give you the gift of wisdom and discernment.” She then kissed her niece on the forehead, moving aside.

Faith stepped forward, pinning a red ribbon to the blanket. “I give you the gift of communication with your guardian.” She said, touching the baby’s red locks before joining Buffy, placing her hand around the blonde Slayer’s waist.

Giles then said “All of you guardians, place your hands over Ashley.”

One by one they placed their hands over the baby, with Buffy and Faith being the last to join. As their hands met, a blue ball of light appeared, enveloping Ashley completely in its glow.

“These gifts given to you by your guardians are yours to keep or discard when you come of age to understand them. May you use them wisely. So mote it be.” Giles said.

“So mote it be!” They all replied in unison.

“Earth, Water, Fire, Air - We thank you for your love and care. Leave us now, or stay with us, Light and Love, Blessed Be!” Mira said.

“Blessed Be!” Everyone replied.

As if by queue, Ashley giggled happily.

“Thank you, everyone…we so appreciate you doing this for Ashley…and for us.” Willow said, appreciatively.

“Wouldn’t have it any other way!” Buffy said, giving her sister a hug.

“We couldn’t have asked for better guardians for her that you all…thank you…” Tara added.

Mira looked at the gathering of friends, pondering…

Perhaps they will succeed…


To Be Continued...

[LonelyTara]

Dibs and hooray for updates! This was a very sweet moment. Keep 'em coming. Great to see you back on the board!!

[Zampsa1975]

Yay for great update-y goodness... I hope the Scoobies are able to guard Ashley without serious bodily harm...

[SJ]

Great writing.