Luz Story: 100 Baby Challenge

Lianna’s Backstory: Part Ten


Leaving Kalani was harder this time than it had been the first, and Dante had a feeling it would only get harder each time. He knew he couldn’t risk his parents finding out that he was in love with an island girl from Sulani, let alone a mermaid! Elite spellcasters in Forgotten Hollow only married other elite spellcasters; they were even forbidden from marrying humans, as this would muddy their spellcaster bloodlines. Dante had to be convincing about his “research” in order to be able to come and go from Sulani as he wished.

Once he arrived home, he was eager to show his parents his findings. Dante had brought back a new species of frog, as well as some herbs that did not grow here in Forgotten Hollow (as most plants cannot survive in this dark, gloomy place). His father was intrigued with his findings, asking all sorts of questions about where he found them and other flora and fauna he saw. His mother seemed satisfied with his results, only giving an approving nod as he showed everything to her. He convinced them both that he would need to return soon to collect more, and even managed to persuade them into believing he would return frequently to observe differences based on weather and season. Feeling relieved, he also longed for Kalani and the islands. He would have to tough it out here for at least a couple of weeks before returning, so he chose to fill his days practicing his magic and assisting his father with potions and spells using what he collected.

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Meanwhile, back in Sulani, Kalani returned to her normal daily life. She missed Dante more now than she had the first time he left, and was continuously shocked by the strength of her feelings for him – she had never felt this way about anyone before, never having given much thought or effort to romance.



Her nausea had been coming in waves, on and off, but was now getting stronger. Even swimming through the blue island waters as a mermaid did not bring the relief and comfort it always had. Realizing that there was something clearly wrong, she sought out the help of the Chieftain of Sulani: Keala Hoapili. Keala had a strong connection to the island spirits and was considered by all Sulani residents to be extremely wise; they often went to her for council and help.

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“I’ve had nausea on and off for weeks now,” Kalani explained to Keala after she welcomed her into her villa. She explained how didn’t think much of it at first but it had been getting worse lately. Keala first began by using her medical knowledge to perform a routine “check-up,” ruling out serious illness or infection. She then counseled Kalani the best she could, asking many questions and drawing on the wise teachings of the elders who had taught her.



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One question Kalani could not answer truthfully, however – if it were possible that she might be pregnant. The thought had never even crossed her mind until now, and she tried to push back the growing feeling that she had figured out exactly what was wrong.
When Keala could not give her an answer, she suggested that Kalani try communing with the Island Spirits for guidance. Kalani had only done this once before as a child with her mother, but she honored the spirits in her daily life and knew that they had helped countless other residents of Sulani.





Keala summoned the spirits for her, and then went back into her home, leaving Kalani alone with the ghost-like creatures floating before her. One spirit floated toward her, and Kalani bowed in respect. She explained her situation to the spirit, finding it strange to talk to this ethereal being like she would any old friend. After listening and pausing for what felt like a very long time to Kalani, the spirit nodded to signal he had determined the problem. Without speaking, he placed his hand on Kalani’s belly, then gestured to show her belly growing larger and larger. Feeling defeated, Kalani nodded in understanding and thanked the spirit.

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As she walked home, all she could think about was how Dante would feel. She knew how vital it was to keep their romance a secret; if his family were to find out, he had stressed how dangerous the situation could become for both of them. This is why she had chosen to keep it a secret from everyone in Sulani too – there was no reason anyone needed to know. But now, with a baby on the way, keeping that secret got a lot more difficult.

Even through all of the stress, though, Kalani also found herself feeling joyful. She had always wanted children someday, and now she was pregnant with the love of her life. As scary as the situation was, she felt hopeful.